The Infrastructure and Projects Authority has launched a recruitment drive for a new role being created to aid the government’s planned “infrastructure revolution” ahead of an anticipated increase in capital spending that is expected to be set out in next week’s Budget.
It is offering up to £149,500 for the Senior Civil Service Pay Band 2 role, titled “director of infrastructure, enterprise and growth”, who will be responsible for managing “roughly half” of the Government Major Projects Portfolio’s infrastructure projects.
The IPA, which has a mandate to improve the nation’s ability to deliver all types of infrastructure more efficiently and effectively, confirmed to CSW that the post was a completely new position, adding that it would require a candidate with “empowering leadership and a track record in delivering large-scale transformation.
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Described as “one of the most important infrastructure positions in government”, the IPA said the new director would be responsible for engaging with HS2; Northern Powerhouse Rail; the nuclear building and decommissioning programme; continuing infrastructure work following the Grenfell Tower tragedy; projects contributing to the government target for the country to be producing net zero carbon emissions by 2050.
IPA chief executive officer Nick Smallwood said the new role, which is permanent, was a significant opportunity for the right individual.
“This is the largest infrastructure position in the UK and will be a major player in implementing the government’s ambition to deliver an infrastructure revolution,” he said.
“If you want to make a lasting difference in this newly created role within the IPA2020 structure, this is your opportunity.”
Other requirements for the new director, who will report to Smallwood, include being a “confident communicator” who is “adept at building effective partnerships across organisational boundaries”. Candidates are also required to have “an appreciation of civil service priorities” and an ability to ensure work is in the national interest.
The application window is open until 11.55pm on 22 March.